The Menopause Herb Garden

Supplements to consider when menopause is causing you trouble.

By The North American Menopause Society

Cimicifuga racemosa

Photograph: iStock

As with all therapies, use of herbs involves risk. The general public usually takes herbal therapies in the form of supplement pills, not as a preparation made directly from the herb by a trained herbalist. It is also wise to keep in mind that herbal supplements are not as closely regulated as prescription drugs. The amount of the herb used and its quality, safety, and purity may vary among brands or even among batches of the same brand. Herbal therapies may interact with prescription drugs, resulting in dramatic changes in the effect of the botanical, the drug, or both. To be safe, women should tell their healthcare providers about any herbal therapies they are considering and always stop these treatments at least two weeks before any planned surgery.